The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is a better Tesla Model S rival that you can ACTUALLY buy in Malaysia.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is an all-new electric model from the luxury German automaker aimed at the typical E-Class buyer who wants to go ‘zero emissions’. That being said, you shouldn’t think of the EQE as an electric E-Class – rather a spiritual replacement to the CLS, which has since been discontinued.
Just like the CLS, the EQE’s a ‘four-door coupé’ with frameless windows and a heavily raked roofline. It’s also got a much smaller boot than the E-Class. Combine that with the practicality of quickly filling up at any petrol station and the EQE decidedly looks like more of a statement vehicle than the conventional E-Class.
If you’re wondering where the EQE stands as an electric vehicle, it’s very respectable. In my opinion, it’s the best luxury electric vehicle experience I’ve had so far, though the I-Pace takes the cake in terms of raw performance. It has less power than the EQC, but the EQE more than makes up for it in a number of meaningful ways. The first is in its platform. The EQE is built on the EVA platform, which was designed from the ground-up to be electric. In comparison, the EQC is built on a modified 1st generation GLC chassis, thus there are some packaging compromises on that SUV.
With the EQE, everything is in the right place, so you have not only a better performing vehicle but also one that is more ergonomic and more proportionate in its design. Another reason why the EQE is a better electric vehicle than the EQC is its range. A full charge gives you up to 669km from its massive 90.56kWh battery. The EQC only manages 437km of range per charge. It’s also worth noting that the EQE can take more rapid DC Fast Charging – 170kW versus 110kW, shaving 8 minutes off the 10% – 80% charge time.
Finally, there’s the maturity of the drive. The EQC was Mercedes-Benz’s first attempt at an electric vehicle and they had a lot to figure out. I noted in my review of the EQC that you really feel when the second electric motor ‘kicks in’ when you step on it. The EQE 350+ is tuned to naturally ramp up its power and in this spec only has a single rear-mounted motor for the job and it’s more than powerful enough.
292hp and 565Nm of torque would put it clearly in AMG territory if this was a turbocharged petrol car. However due to the weight and mature tuning of the EQE 350+, the sprint time is essentially matched to the E300. That being said, mid-speed pick-up is instantaneous due to the response of the electric motor. It’s also pin-drop silent, making it the most ‘Benz’ a Benz can be.
Ride quality and comfort is also excellent despite its weight. The EQE floats effortlessly over surface imperfections and drives light on its feet when it’s asked to be agile. It’s a great effort on the part of Mercedes-Benz engineers.
In terms of design, the EQE follows the brand’s unique EQ design language in a four-door form factor, with intricate details all around, ultra-narrow panel gaps, and a ‘unibrow’ style rear light cluster.
The shape of the EQE is a little unconventional especially in terms of Mercedes-Benz 4-door design, but we understand a fresh break was needed for aerodynamics and packaging efficiency. It’s exciting to look at, but we much prefer the more conventional masculinity of the E-Class. The front grille of the EQE is also unexpectedly bare with no light strip, chrome or three-pointed star pins dotting it.
The interior is extra special, with attention given to the ambient light show, which is now on a whole other level. The three-pointed star motif is printed in multiple sizes across the dashboard, much like on an LV handbag.
Inside, the EQE 350+ gives you a nice mix of luxury and sportiness thanks to Artico/Microfibre-wrapped sport seats, a multifunction sport steering wheel and metal paddle shifters. It’s a nice place to be whether you’re driving or being driven.
Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz has yet to design a frunk under the hood of the EQE. Instead, the coolant reservoirs are given this space, which is a missed opportunity for cargo space. However, the hood release latch is semi-hidden behind a plastic panel, so customers are not expected to see this space at all.
Overall, the EQE is a slightly larger car than the W213 E-Class, with a longer length, wider width, taller height, and longer wheelbase. Both models have similar ground clearance but the traditional E-Class is able to take in 100L more cargo in its trunk.
Overall, the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is a fantastic all-electric model that showcases just how much Mercedes-Benz has learned from its first step into full EVs with the EQC. While it may not be quite as sportscar-like as the Jaguar I-Pace, it’s still an extremely enjoyable driving experience, with a quiet cruising comfort that Mercedes-Benz is renowned for. The design is unique on the outside and exquisite on the inside. If the ‘premium’ experience is about subjective feel, Mercedes-Benz absolutely nailed it – I felt like a star all throughout my test drive experience.
Objectively, it’s also well kitted out. The EQE 350+ is decked out in the AMG Line kit which brings fancy looking 19″ twin 5-spoke alloys, Digital Light headlamps, and some AMG bits for the interior. You also get excellent Burmester 3D surround sound with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a Qi charging pad, and an OLED infotainment system. Augmented reality navigation is available through the built-in navigation and heads-up display but we preferred using Google Maps through Apple CarPlay. The built-in tech is nothing to scoff at – the car’s even smart enough to identify traffic lights and monitor them when you’re stopped on red.
At RM419,888 the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is actually a really good option. The CKD EQS 500 is more than RM200,000 more expensive but the two share a lot under the hood and look closely related on the outside. The Mercedes-Benz E300 AMG Line is just RM40,000 cheaper but doesn’t feel quite as special as this vehicle. BMW doesn’t have a direct rival at the moment with the i4 being a size smaller. What’s more, the Tesla Model S will not be coming to Malaysia, and this is a direct rival to it that does build quality and many specifications better. As for peace of mind, Mercedes-Benz gives you a 4-year/unlimited mileage warranty on the entire vehicle while covering the drive battery for 10-years/250,000km, which is the expected life cycle of all but the most simplest of modern vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line Specifications
Motor: Single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Electric Motor, RWD
Battery Capacity: 90.6kWh
Range: 669km
Max power: 292hp
Max torque: 565Nm
Top Speed: 210 km/h
0-100 km/h: 6.4 seconds
Price: RM419,888
